What is meant by the term "body image"?
Body image is the term used to describe how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror - and how we believe others see us. Different than a reflection, which is what the mirror "sees," body image encompasses the state of mind in which we view that reflection. For example, a stranger may look at you and see an attractive, well-groomed person. But you may see yourself as overweight, unattractive, or even ugly and believe that others see you that way as well. Part of what we see in the mirror relates to where we have trained our eyes to look first - usually our perceived flaws. The rest of what we see is filtered through our mind’s eye - the image we see reflects back the image we have of ourselves in our head a picture which may or may not accurately represent the true reflection in the mirror.
What do the terms "negative" and "positive" mean in relation to body image?
A "negative" body image is characterised by a distorted perception of how we really look. For example, you may see your breasts as being too small or your legs as being too short when in reality they are both of average size. People with a negative body image usually view themselves as unattractive, think that others in their life are more attractive (like a sibling or parent) and believe that their unattractive appearance is somehow a reflection of who they are inside. A "positive" body image exists when the reflection we see is an accurate one. It doesn’t mean we don’t see our flaws. It just means we are realistic about them, and we can also see our attributes. Having a positive body image means celebrating and appreciating your physical appearance, and loving what you see, warts and all!
How can I have a good body image when society’s view of my size is so negative?
It’s true that we are continuously bombarded with images of the "perfect" body and that can make us feel insecure. For those with an already negative self-image, these "ideals" can further reinforce bad feelings. The way to counter that pressure, say experts, is to first realise that only a chosen few actually "measure up" to society’s unrealistic standards - and they frequently do so at a cost to their health. Moreover, realise that your personal body image is reflected best by who you are, not how you look compared to someone else.
Is it possible for a woman to have a satisfying sex life if she has a terrible body image?
Interestingly, research shows that sometimes sexual dysfunction in women frequently characterised by a lack of desire is really all about not feeling desirable. In a study published in the Journal of Sex Research doctors found that women who felt less attractive than they did 10 years before reported a decrease in sexual desire. Women who reported feeling as attractive as they did in the previous decade reported more satisfaction with their current sex life. While the study doesn’t prove that feeling attractive boosts a woman’s sex drive, it does suggest the two go hand-in-hand.
What are the links between eating disorders and body image?
Women with a negative body image are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder, and women with an eating disorder frequently have a negative and often unrealistic body image. Moreover, women with a poor body image often try to use weight loss to boost their self-esteem, only to find it doesn’t work. In fact, most women with eating disorders continue to have a negative body image, often viewing themselves as overweight, even after they become painfully thin.
I’ve always dreamed of being that perfect size 8, but my body wants to stay forever size 16. Is there a trick to learning to love the skin I’m in even if I’ll never be that size 8?
The answer is yes and experts say it begins with accepting the idea that "big" is not "bad." What counts most is the state of your health - factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, and your level of fitness. If your doctor says you check out OK, then you can work on accepting your current weight as a healthy weight for you. If, in fact, your "full figure" is the shape your body gravitates to naturally, then it’s possible that this is the shape at which you will look and feel the healthiest.
Is it wrong to be concerned about how you look? And what are the signs that someone is obsessed with their appearance?
Concern about appearance, and a desire to look as good as you can is quite normal. However, there can be a fine line between looking your best and being obsessed with your looks a problem known as body dysmorphic disorder. In this instance, a person becomes preoccupied or "obsessed" with either a nonexistent problem, such as believing their average-size nose is really huge or dwells on what would otherwise be considered a minor cosmetic flaw, such as one crooked tooth or a slight case of acne. Moreover, the person consistently seeks to remedy or change what they don’t like, often seeking surgery or other medical attention, and is seldom satisfied with the result. Another tipping point, say experts, is when the preoccupation with appearance begins to interfere with normal living or prevents a person from reaching their goals. In either instance, medication, such as antidepressants or counseling is sometimes needed to overcome the "obsession" and restore balance to self-image.
Shedding 50 lb (22kg) was easy compared to shedding this image I have of myself as a fat girl. Will this feeling ever go away?
Yes it will but it’s going to take a little time. Experts say the more time a person spends being overweight or obese, the harder it can be to come to terms with the "new" person that emerges after the weight loss. If we continue to think of ourselves as looking a certain way - in this instance, overweight - our responses to life will continue to be based on who we were, not who we are. Indeed, many successful dieters report it took months or even years to incorporate their new body into their way of thinking about themselves. In the meantime, concentrate on developing a self-image based on what is inside, rather than what is outside. Then, it won’t matter what your size is; you’ll always know exactly who you are!
Is it normal to feel down about your looks after reading a beauty magazine? Does this indicate a problem with self-esteem?
When we have a strong sense of self-esteem - one in which our looks make up only a small part of how we feel about ourselves - then we tend not to lose confidence in the presence of those we perceive to be more beautiful. That said, you’d be hard pressed to find a woman who doesn’t feel at least a little intimidated after thumbing through a fashion magazine! What’s more, studies show that the more we relate to the subject in the photos, the more we tend to judge our own appearance by the same standards. Case in point, a study published in The Journal of Black Studiesin 2004 reported that when black women looked at pictures of attractive white women, it didn’t put so much as a dent in their self-esteem. But when they looked at pictures of attractive black women, they became far more critical about themselves and their appearance. The key to not being affected, say researchers, is to resist comparing yourself to a two-dimensional photograph that, in all likelihood, doesn’t even come close to representing who that person really is.
I’m on a diet, but what can I do to begin feeling better about myself right now?
A desire to feel good about yourself even before you reach your weight loss goal is an important step toward building self-esteem because it shows your attitude doesn’t only equate feeling good with being thin. To keep you going in the right direction, consider these tips for overcoming any body or beauty challenge:
- Replace negative thoughts about yourself with positive ones. When you catch yourself thinking, "My thighs are too big," counter that by adding "but my nose is adorable" or any phrase that reminds you of something you like about yourself.
- Make friends with people who have a healthy perspective of their own body image regardless of their weight. Also seek out people who have a healthy relationship with food and don’t rely on eating to nourish their ego.
- Eat healthily! Good health begets more good health and nothing makes you feel as good about yourself as knowing you have a strong and healthy body.
- Get active. Don’t let your size stop you from leading an active life. Exercise will help boost feelings of personal power while helping to balance brain chemistry linked to self-esteem.
Source:- http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-skin/guide/body-image-and-beauty
